by Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY Sports

by Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Bobcats point guard Kemba Walker has experienced more wins with his team this season than he did in his previous two.

In 2012, they finished with the worst winning percentage (.106) in league history and followed it up with a .256 winning percentage last season -- good enough for the second-worst record in the league.

The arrivals of first-year coach Steve Clifford and veteran center Al Jefferson, along with Walker's development, have the franchise firmly in playoff contention and within shouting distance of a home series.

"He's (Clifford) done a lot in such short time," Walker said. "We haven't won around here in a while, but he brings a winning mentality. He holds everyone accountable. He expects so much from everyone on this team and in this organization. That's what you need in a coach. He's our leader and we follow him."

This quick turnaround can give hope to this season's struggling teams because, even with their record, the Bobcats didn't end up with the top pick in either of the past two drafts. In 2012, they selected Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at No. 2 behind his college teammate, Anthony Davis. Last year, they picked Cody Zeller at No. 4. And other than the move to sign Jefferson as a free agent in the offseason, they didn't restructure the roster that much.

The key was the hiring of Clifford, who is part of the Jeff and Stan Van Gundy coaching tree and was on Mike D'Antoni's staff with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. As soon as he was hired, he established a work ethic for practices, shootarounds and video sessions. That made a difference, but he understands it's not all about him and his methods.

"All of that can only happen and work out well if you have the right kind of guys," Clifford said. "So much of coaching, particularly at this level, is dictated by the character and competitiveness of your roster."

There were two factors, he said, that set the tone for the start of the season. The first was Walker, who traveled to Summer League to practice with the young squad and to get to know his new coach. The second was Jefferson, who arrived in Charlotte earlier than expected to workout with his new teammates.

"To me, that's as big a part of anything," Clifford said. "When you have your best players and they're there all the time and they're the leaders and recruiters in getting everybody else there, you have the chance to have the right kind of work team."

Not coincidentally, Jefferson and Walker are the Bobcats' two best offensive players. They're the inside-outside combo that initiates the offense, from Jefferson's post-up game to the Walker-Jefferson pick-and-roll game. The Bobcats are 10-2 when Jefferson and Walker each score at least 20 points.

Jefferson is averaging 21.4 points and 10.4 rebounds and shooting 50.6% from the field. Monday, the NBA named him the Eastern Conference player of the week.

"I've never played with such a dominant big man like that in my career," Walker said. "It's been a cool experience because he's a lot older than me. He's got a lot more years than me in this league, and I've had an opportunity to learn from him. He just makes things easier for me and everyone else on the perimeter."

Walker's stats (17.7 points, 5.8 assists and 4.2 rebounds a game) are incrementally better than last season but he's improving as a playmaker and defender.

"Kemba's a smart kid. He's a natural-born leader," Jefferson said. "If I have helped him, I'm sure it's not as much as he's helped me. I've always been a leader by example. He's showed me how to keep the team together and how to lead by talking."

Charlotte is on the verge of their first playoff appearance since 2010 and just the second time since the now-Pelicans moved to New Orleans and the NBA awarded Charlotte a franchise in 2004-05. With a strong finish, the Bobcats can finish with a winning record for the second time in team history.

For a change, the season is not trudging to a horrible conclusion for the Bobcats. For a change, there is optimism now and for the future, led Jefferson, Walker and Clifford.